Crossing Streams

#262: Pluribus Episodes 4-6 Review

Vince Gilligan's new show Pluribus is looking like it might just be a masterpiece. On this episode of Crossing Streams, Craig Elsten and Chris Reed take a look at the big themes and moments from episodes 4-6 of the first season. The show contains spoilers for all six episodes of the series to date.  SHOW TIME CODES :30 Intro 4:00 quick housekeeping 5:30 Episodes 4-6 had a theme: discovery for Carol 10:00 Rhea Seehorn is carrying the rock for Pluribus, but we will meet Manousos 14:30 Jeff Hiller appearance! 18:00 Carol’s diabolical plot to learn the truth in episode 4 23:00 Manousos can’t get here from there 27:45 The crazy visuals and methodical montages of episode 5 34:00 The Hamlin-Phone 36:00 transitioning to episode 6 and Empty Las Vegas 38:45 Pluribus as an allegory for AI re: Diabate in Vegas 44:15 you down with HDP? 48:15 The Others are colonizers and consent hypocrites 54:00 circling back to Koumba’s role and viewpoint 59:45 What We’re Watching

#261: Is Death By Lightning Shockingly Good? (Full Review)

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed get together on the eve of Thanksgiving to go over Netflix's historical drama Death By Lightning. One of the hosts liked it a little bit more than the other, but there's a lot to unpack with an All-Star cast and a fascinating look at a less-known time in American history.  SHOW TIME CODES :30 Intro, giving thanks to our audience and co-host 5:00 Getting into Death By Lightning 8:30 over-arching thoughts on the limited series 14:00 appreciating the four-episode run time 16:30 who had the most dynamic performance in the series? 21:45 Matthew McFadyen’s performance as Giteau 25:00 the crazy lax security around Garfield 28:15 the best wig of 2025 31:30 did Death By Lightning take liberties with history? 35:00 a slow finish—reflecting on Garfield’s legacy 40:00 Giteau’s final moments 44:15 What We’re Watching

#260: Pluribus Episodes 1-3 Review

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed return for episode #260 of Crossing Streams, taking on perhaps the TV event of 2025 in Vince Gilligan's new series, Pluribus, for Apple TV. In the (short) non-spoiler zone the guys offer their general thoughts on the series and on Gilligan's talent. Then in the spoiler zone, a look at everything which has made the first three episodes of Pluribus so riveting, thought-provoking and funny. Both guys said after recording this was their favorite podcast of the year, so please enjoy! SUBJECT TIME CODE MENU :30 Intro/housekeeping NON-SPOILER ZONE 3:40 Opening thoughts on Pluribus from both hosts 10:15 Vince Gilligan is in his bag and a master of his craft SPOILER ZONE 13:15 The first episode of Pluribus is an all-timer 15:15 The art of “show don’t tell” 19:00 Rhea Seehorn’s performance as Carol 24:00 Does Carol have a drinking problem? Is she a reliable narrator? 29:00 The surprising humor of Pluribus 37:00 Is The Joining a metaphor for Heaven? 41:30 Is The Joining a utopia or are The Others concealing a lot still? 45:00 the use of the countdown/count-up clock as a storytelling device 55:30 What We’re Watching If you like this podcast, please give us a five-star review and/or kind written review on your podcast platform of choice, and thanks as always for your time and support!

#259: The Lowdown Season Finale Review + Interview with Actor Eric Edelstein

Craig Elsten and Chris Reed get back together to talk about the finish of The Lowdown, a show that was beloved by both. The guys get into the storylines from the final three episodes, before welcoming on actor Eric Edelstein, who played Blackie on the show. Longtime friends with Chris, Eric gets into the magic of Sterlin Harjo's set, working in Tulsa, the process of getting the gig and much, much more! :30 Intro/housekeeping/spoiler warning 5:00 narrative momentum of the final three episodes 8:00 a show made with a lot of love 11:00 creating a well-rounded character in Lee Raybon 17:00 episode 8 brought Lee and Marty together 21:00 directorial flourishes and one-shots 27:00 the relationship between Lee and his daughter 36:30 Eric Edelstein interview

#258: The Diplomat Season 3 Full Review (Non-Spoiler and Spoiler)

Craig Elsten is joined by one of the patrons from the Padres Hot Tub discord, Oliver the Baseball Nihilist, to discuss a series near and dear to both of their hearts, The Diplomat on Netflix. In the non-spoiler zone of the show, the hosts discuss why they like The Diplomat and what makes it such a compelling watch. In the spoiler zone, the guys go all the way in on the big moments of the third season, the wild plot twists in the finale, and what it means for a season four.  SHOW NOTES/TIMES :30 Intro, welcome Oliver, housekeeping NON-SPOILER ZONE 3:30 why do we like The Diplomat generally? 8:00 Keri Russell keeps bringing you back 9:45 the show reflects a different era of politics 12:30 Would The Diplomat be better served by a weekly release instead of binge schedule? 16:15 a very strong bench of supporting characters SPOILER ZONE 18:55 amazing political drama in season three, but the romance wasn’t as strong 22:30 episode six, our favorite of the season 25:30 did The Diplomat try to cram too much plot into season three? 30:00 the big season finale twist between Kate and Hal, was it earned? 35:00 Rufus Sewell had an amazing season 44:00 in praise of Rory Kinnear as Trowbridge 47:45 do we buy all of Kate’s decisions this season? 52:30 how can The Diplomat keep Kate in London for a fourth season? 56:30 What We’re Watching If you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a five-star rating on your podcast platform of choice! Feel free to email us with your thoughts on The Diplomat at: crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com